October

General

• October’s a wonderful month for planting. Shrubs that go in now will make maximum growth over the next few months
• Fertilise potted plants with Wonder Shake ‘N Grow Special Fertiliser. Repot if the roots are crowded.
• Continue spraying Efekto Cypermethrin 200EC every one to two weeks to protect apples and pears from codling moth.
• Divide and repot congested clumps of cymbidium orchids.
• Feed lawns with an organic-based lawn food like Wonder Organic Granular Fertiliser Vita-Boost + C (8).
• Prune tired old citrus trees, renewing mulch and feeding with Wonder 3:1:5 (26) SR. Remember, though, if cut back severely, the
  plant may not fruit again for a few seasons.
• Sow all the summer veggies such as beans, sweetcorn, tomatoes and cucumbers as soon as the soil is warm enough.
• Water hydrangeas with Wonder Colourburst Rose to encourage larger blooms. Apply Wonder Shake ‘N Grow Blue Hydrangea to
  hydrangeas to produce and deepen blue flowers or apply Wonder Shake ‘N Grow Pink Hydrangea to change flowers to pink.
• Prune spring-flowering plants and roses after flowering. Applying Efekto Rosecare 3 to protect new growth.
• Plant tropical fruits such as lychees, mangos and bananas.
• Spread Efekto Snailban around vulnerable plants, especially during damp weather.

Fruit garden

Pick
In cold areas, the citrus harvest is about to end, and strawberries may be ripening in the warmest and sheltered of areas.

Plant

• Lemons, limes, mandarins, oranges and grapefruit in warm areas where late frost is not a threat.
• Strawberries, raspberries, currants, gooseberries, blueberries, boysenberries and blackberries.
• Passion fruit, a climbing fruit that needs support for its tendrils.
• Fruits require full sun, and shelter from wind is preferable.

Protect

• In frost-prone areas keep tender plants covered with Efekto Plant Protection Cover in case of late frost.
• Spray citrus at the pre-blossom stage with Virikop to control brown rot.

Prune

• It’s time to prune back citrus, opening up the framework of the plant to allow more light into the centre.
• In cold areas, wait until November to prune. Fertilise with Wonder 3:1:5 (26) SR around the drip line after pruning.

Flower garden

Pick
Iris, delphiniums, larkspur, stock, snapdragons, lavender, chrysanthemums, sweet peas, roses and poppies.

Sow
Salvia, zinnia, alyssum, aster, chrysanthemums, Californian poppies, carnation, cosmos, dahlias, dianthus, gazanias, gypsophila, impatiens, marigold, petunias, nasturtiums, phlox, salvia, snapdragons, statice, sunflowers and verbena.

To-do list

• Prune back camellias, magnolias and azaleas as soon as they finish flowering to encourage new growth for next season’s flowers.
• Spray with Efekto Rosecare 3 to control black spot, mildew and aphids on roses.
• It’s time to prune back citrus, opening up the framework of the plant to allow more light into the centre.
• In cold areas, wait until November to prune. Fertilise with Wonder 3:1:5 (26) SR around the drip line after pruning.

Vegetable garden

Sow
Beans, broccoli, cabbages, carrots, capsicums, cauliflowers, celery, chervil, chillies, courgettes, cucumbers, eggplants, leeks, lettuces, parsnips, radishes, rocket, Swiss chard, spinach, sweetcorn, tomatoes and basil.

Fertilise

• Sprinkle Wonder Organic Granular Fertiliser Vita-Boost + C (8) on the soil at planting time and around crops once a month
  in gardens with poor, dry soil.
• Apply Seagro twice a month to give plants a boost for the season.

Protect
Mildew may appear on courgettes and cucumbers; spray with Efekto Eco Fungimite to control it.

Harvest
Asparagus, broad beans, broccoli, cabbages, cauliflower, lettuces, rocket, Swiss chard, spinach and spring onions.